Context Effects, Self-Presentation, and the Self-Monitoring Scale

Two experiments were conducted to examine if context effects occur when subjects respond to the Self-Monitoring Scale (Snyder, 1974). A situated identities hypothesis was offered to explain why context effects occur. In Experiment 1, the type of relevant identity expected to be conveyed was manipulated. Subjects completed the scale under standard testing conditions or with instructions that the scale measured acting ability. Males scored higher than females on the Self-Monitoring Scale in the standard testing condition. However, when told that the scale was a measure of acting ability, the average score of females was higher than in the standard condition, whereas the average score for males was lower than the standard testing condition. In Experiment 2, subjects responded to the scale after responding to questions about sexual deception. As compared to a standard condition, scores were significantly lower, also suggesting the existence of context effects. Suggestions are offered for avoiding context effects in the use of the Self-Monitoring Scale.